Third Formal Meeting of
Intergovernmental Process on Strengthening Respect for International
Humanitarian Law (IHL)

Intervention by ESTONIA

Ways to
enhance the implementation of IHL using the potential of the International
Conference and IHL regional forums

Genf,
6 detsember 2017

Mr Chair,

Our
delegation very much appreciates the co-facilitators efforts in drawing up the
work plan and focusing on a good outcome, in accordance wih the objectives
stipulated in resolution 2 and in accordance with the meetings that have taken
place in 2017 and 2016. We also value in the sincere constructiveness of all
the delegations present.

Estonia
would like to thank the facilitators for the work plan and we could have been
flexible to go with the proposed version. We agree, that agreeing on a work
plan for 2018 and 2019 would contribute to saving valuable time on procedural
issues, but are also flexible to accommodate the wishes of some delegations who
insist on agreeing on actions for 2018 only.

Estonia
echos what some previous delegations have said – no consensus has yet been
reached! – many ideas and food for thought for the upcoming meetings.

We
support the proposal to add to the Background Document the legal
evaluation/elements of how the existing mechanisms can realistically be used
and what the constraints and limitations are. This would be helpful, allowing
us to be better prepared, better informed and constructive, so that we can we
come together next year and talk about converging elements.